Hospital Radio volunteers tune up their skills with help from popular presenter

The Northern Trust’s hospital radio volunteers were buzzing with excitement this week as BBC NI presenter Vinny Hurrell stepped into the studio to deliver an inspiring, hands-on broadcasting workshop.

The workshop, supported by funding provided by the Public Health Agency and facilitated by the Suicide Prevention Officer at Causeway Rural Urban Network, was delivered to volunteer presenters who broadcast for the benefit of patients at both Causeway Hospital and Antrim Area Hospital.

Reflecting on his involvement, Vinny said: “I was delighted to meet all the amazing volunteers who give up their time to provide this service to patients.

“Radio has a real warmth to it, whether it is a friendly voice or favourite song, it can make someone’s day, so it’s been fantastic to help meet with the volunteers and share some insights with them.”

Packed with practical tips and lively demonstrations, the workshop helped volunteers grow their confidence behind the mic and sharpen the skills that keep patients and staff entertained across both hospital sites.

Explaining the benefit of upskilling the volunteers, Ita McErlean, secretary for Causeway Hospital Radio said: “We were delighted to have Vinny deliver such an informative and engaging workshop to us. As one of the most recognisable voices in local radio, we were treated to a real insight from one of the best in the business.”

Despite the challenges of a rapidly changing media landscape, the Trust’s Hospital radio service continues to innovate and keep up to date with audience needs.

Paula Marshall, Service Manager of the Volunteer Service at the Northern Trust which is supported by the PHA said: “As a volunteer service, we want to ensure Hospital Radio moves with the times, and we recently developed smartphone apps for both Antrim and Causeway channels. Inviting Vinny along for this workshop to upskill our volunteers was another example of our commitment to deliver an even better service for patients and staff.”

Hospital radio in the Northern Trust was initially set up by a small group of volunteers, and at its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, around 30 people took charge of their own two-hour show every week. Antrim was set up in 1994 and this was followed by Causeway in 2001.

In contrast to the early days of vinyl, LPs and eight-track cartridges, both Antrim Hospital Radio and Causeway Hospital Radio can be listened to via a free smartphone app, or online, making them accessible to everyone whether they are in the hospital or not, and wherever they are in the world.

To download the free apps to your phone search for Antrim Hospital Radio or Causeway Hospital Radio in the App Store or Google Play where you can tune in, check the broadcasting schedule and send in messages and requests.